Well, so this question comes out of the Diva/Ginger pro/AM thread but it is slightly more focused.

I was trained originally (yes ProAm) to follow the lead of my partner. I never learned the names or the figures or anything else (that did have its drawbacks). There was no choreography, I simply followed, no matter what it was my partner was leading. This has been wonderful because I can dance with almost anyone, professional or amateur and after a few moments of adjustment I can catch on to their style of lead.

BUT

My rather accomplished professional instructor is such a soft lead I have to rely on the coreography and that feels like a giant leap backwards to me. I know my steps now and my positions and my arm movements and and and...but it has made it so much harder because I don't feel like I have as much 'connection' with what he is doing. It means I make stupid mistakes that I wouldn't normally make, but I just can't always tell where he wants me. I hate that!!

So question...

How in the world do I explain to him that I need him to be less delicate without offending his professional sensibilities?

I think I didn't realize how much I missed my strong lead until I went back to Argentine Tango and felt what it was like to have a strong lead again.

Any suggestions????